Between Sesimbra and Setúbal, a green limestone ridge drops straight into a turquoise sea — the Serra da Arrábida, a natural park and the most striking landscape close to Lisbon.
The ridge road
A narrow road runs along the top of the serra with a series of viewpoints looking down on the coast, the Sado estuary and, on a clear day, the Tróia peninsula opposite. Below it, hidden in the scrub, the white Convento da Arrábida.
Portinho da Arrábida and the beaches
Portinho is a tiny cove of clear, sheltered water below the green slope, with a couple of restaurants and a small fort. Further along are Galapinhos and Galápos, regularly rated among the best beaches in the country.
Good to know
- In summer the access road and parking are restricted — there is a shuttle bus, or come very early, or out of season
- About 40 minutes from our apartment; combine with Setúbal or Sesimbra
- The beaches have little shade and get very full — arrive before mid-morning
- The water here is calm and clear, unlike the Atlantic side